Inquest into the Death of Jason Barry WINCHESTER

Summary : The deceased was a member of an outlaw motorcycle gang. He was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle in Carine when he approached a police speed check. The motorcycle was not registered and the number plate was stolen. The deceased was carrying two driver’s licences that were not his and a clip-seal bag of white powder.

A police officer indicated to the deceased to pull over and stop. The deceased accelerated, swerved around the police officer and eventually collided head-on with a stationary car. He was thrown onto the roadway and sustained serious injuries. He was taken to hospital where a blood test showed the presence of methylamphetamine. He died in hospital on 29 January 2014 from the injuries he sustained on 11 November 2013. He was 34 years of age.

The primary purpose of the inquest hearing was to conduct an independent review of the actions of the relevant police officers.

The coroner noted that it seemed likely that a combination of methylamphetamine-induced foolhardiness and a desire to avoid detection of criminal activity stoked the deceased’s decision to take the significant risks that led to his death.

The coroner found that the deceased died from complications of head injury and that death occurred by way of misadventure.

The coroner found that the actions of the police officers did not contribute to the deceased’s death.